This thesis compares the health and quality of life between the medieval urban environment of Visby and the rural monastic population of Roma monastery through the examination of osteological remains. For this comparison the bones of two graves of two assumed monks from Roma Monastery have been examined and are compared to previously written osteological reports of material of St. Clemen’s graves. In total five individuals from St. Clemens of two different authors have been used for this thesis. The material from Roma has been examined after sex, age, height, pathological changes, and activity markers. The finds of the study suggests the monks performed heavy manual labour and had worse health than compared to the inhabitants of Visby. / Denna uppsats undersöker och jämför hälsan och livskvalitén hos den medeltida urbana befolkningen i Visby gentemot den rurala klosterbefolkningen från Roma kloster genom skeletala kvarlevor. För jämförelsen har benen från två gravar av två antagna munkar från Roma kloster jämförts med tidigare publicerade osteologiska rapporter av material från S:t Clemens gravar. Totalt fem individer från S:t Clemens av två olika författare har använts för denna uppsats. Materialet från Roma har undersökts efter kön- och åldersbedömning, kroppslängdberäkning, patologiska förändringar och aktivitetsspår. Resultatet av undersökningen visar att munkarna utförde hårt arbete och hade en sämre hälsa än Visbys invånare.

O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi justificar a proposta de utilização de um novo método tomográfico (cone beam) de avaliação das espessuras ósseas alveolares, maxilares e mandibulares, por meio de testes objetivos das Condições de Repetitividade e de Precisão Intermediária associadas à variação intra e interoperadores, e conforme a utilização de programa computacional independente (AutoCAD®) para a realização das medições, aplicadas à sequência do Procedimento Operacional Padrão (POP) definido para este experimento. A Fase I da pesquisa registrou os critérios de obtenção da qualidade final das imagens tomográficas definitivas, a partir de equipamento iCAT® (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa), com parâmetros de aquisição de 120KVp, 37,7mA e 26,9s, e considerando FOV cilíndrico de 13cm e matriz de 512x512 pixels. A resolução do voxel foi de 0,25mm; A Fase II registrou os critérios exploratórios relativos às condições operacionais do software de visualização, registro (inspeção e identificação) e medição das grandezas selecionadas. A Fase III registrou a realização dos testes de repetitividade e de reprodutibilidade das medidas. Um total de 72 grandezas lineares foram previamente definidas e metodologicamente testadas em sua qualidade de inspeção, identificação e medição, a partir da avaliação de sete (7) operadores independentes, cinco dos quais eram especialistas e com Mestrado Acadêmico em Ortodontia pela FOUSP e, o outro, especialista em Radiologia Odontológica e Doutor em Diagnóstico Bucal (FOUSP). Os examinadores foram previamente instruídos, calibrados e treinados considerando os requerimentos necessários à execução dos testes propostos. O protocolo de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo (Parecer CAAE 0120.0.017.000-11). A análise estatística dependeu da utilização de Modelo de Componentes de Variância (hierárquico), e foram consideradas como fontes de variação: as medidas, efetuadas por um mesmo operador ou por diferentes operadores; a face considerada, vestibular ou lingual/palatina; os locais (três níveis de espessura óssea alveolar) em cada uma das faces e, ainda, os diferentes dentes. Esta análise foi realizada de forma separada para mandíbula e maxila. Valores de p<0,05 indicaram significância estatística. Os resultados indicaram significativa confiabilidade geral no método proposto, considerando a Condição de Repetitividade, com apenas 0,24% da variabilidade maxilar total atribuível a um único operador, e mandibular de 0,53%; e com valores expressivos relativos às incertezas de medida maxilares (0,156mm) e mandibulares (0,091mm), desse modo atestando significativa consistência interna (repetibilidade) do método. Os testes da Condição de Precisão Intermediária também indicaram significativa confiabilidade geral no método proposto, com apenas 1,52% da variabilidade total mandibular atribuível à participação de diversos operadores, e maxilar de 0,25%; e com valores também expressivos relativos às incertezas de medida mandibulares (0,149mm) e maxilares (0,158mm), desse modo atestando significativa condição final de reprodutibilidade. Conclui-se que a utilização de imagens provenientes de tomógrafo iCAT®, conforme indicação de resolução de imagem com voxel de 0,25mm, em humanos vivos e a partir de cortes trans-axiais sistematicamente operacionalizados com auxílio de Software AutoCAD®, propicia a geração de condições metodológicas suficientemente favoráveis à obtenção de mapeamento quantitativo linear de espessuras ósseas alveolares, vestibulares e palatinas/linguais, tanto para a maxila quanto para a mandíbula. / This research aimed to justify the proposed use of a new tomography method (cone beam) in the clinical assessment of alveolar, maxillary and mandibular bone width, through objective tests of the Conditions of Repetitiveness and Intermediate Precision associated with intra- and inter-operator variation, using the independent computer program (AutoCAD®) for the execution of the measurements according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) sequence defined for this experiment. Phase I of the research recorded the criteria for obtaining the final quality of the tomography images, using iCAT® (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa, USA) equipment with acquisition parameters 120KVp, 37.7mA, and 26.9s, and considering cilindric field-of-view (FOV) of 13cm and 512x512 pixels matrix. The voxel resolution was 0.25mm. Phase II recorded the exploratory criteria relative to the operational conditions of the visualization software, registry (visual inspection and landmark identification) and measurement of the selected magnitudes. Phase III recorded the tests of repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements. A total of 72 linear magnitudes were previously defined and methodologically tested for their quality of inspection, identification and measurement, based on assessment by seven (7) independent operators, five of whom were specialists, with masters degrees in Orthodontics from FOUSP; and the other, a specialist in Dental Radiology and Doctor of Oral Diagnosis (FOUSP). The examiners were previously instructed, calibrated and trained according to the requirements for performing the proposed tests. The research protocol was approved by the Committee for Ethics in Research of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo (Protocol # 102/11-CAAE 0120.0.017.000-11). Statistical analysis used the (hierarchical) Components of Variation Model, and the sources of variation were considered to be: the measurements, made by the same operator or by different operators; the face considered, whether vestibular or lingual/palatal; the locations (three levels of alveolar bone thickness) in each of the faces and, also, the different teeth. This analysis was carried out separately for the mandible and the maxilla. Values of p<0.05 indicated statistical significance. The results indicated overall significant reliability in the proposed method considering the Condition of Repetitiveness, with only 0.24% of total maxillary, and 0.53% of mandibular, variability attributable to a single operator; and with expressive values relative to measurement uncertainties of maxillary (0.156 mm) and mandibular (0.091mm) averages, thereby attesting to significant internal consistency (\"repeatability\") of the method. Tests for the Condition of Intermediate Precision also indicated overall significant reliability of the proposed method, with only 1.52% total mandibular, and 0.25% maxillary, variability attributable to the participation of the various operators; and, also, with expressive values relative to measurement uncertainties of mandibular (0.149mm) and maxillary (0.158mm) averages, thereby attesting to the significant final condition of reproducibility. It is concluded that the use of images from iCAT® tomography, as indicated by image resolution with voxels of 0.25mm, in live humans and from transaxial cuts performed systematically with the help of AutoCAD® Software, provides methodological conditions sufficiently favorable for obtaining linear quantitative mapping of alveolar, vestibular and palatal/lingual bone thicknesses, for both the maxillary and mandibular dental arches.

Cette recherche doctorale a été réalisée dans le cadre d’un projet de sauvetage archéologique à Villa de Álvarez, dans l’état de Colima (Mexique). Dans la zone géographique à l’étude, plusieurs traces indiquant la présence de contextes funéraires ont été relevées par le passé, mais aucun de ces sites n’a fait l’objet d’un rapport archéologique. L’état de Colima est connu pour ses tombes à puits (tumbas de tiro), ses céramiques de manufacture typique, ainsi que pour les fameux « chiens de Colima ». Malgré la relation entre ces objets et les contextes funéraires, peu d’études se sont attardées à comprendre la composante biologique de ces contextes, c’est-à-dire les êtres humains. Ainsi, la richesse du projet de sauvetage archéologique nous a donné l’opportunité de structurer un projet de recherche de thèse doctorale beaucoup plus profond en ce qui concerne un des sujets les plus importants de cette région mésoaméricaine : les traditions funéraires. C’est de cette façon, à la lumière des résultats particuliers obtenus sur le site du Tropel, que nous avons décidé de travailler les liens culturels existants entre ce dernier, la région de Colima, l’Ouest mésoaméricain et l’aire culturelle dans son ensemble. La campagne de fouille ainsi menée a permis la récupération de vingt-six individus de différents sexes et âges. Au moins quatre périodes d’occupation ont été enregistrées sur le site. La présence humaine sur le site s’étend donc de 339AD à 682 AD (datations au radiocarbone sur trois individus du site El Tropel), ce qui correspond à la phase archéologique Comala à Colima. L’abondance d’artefacts de cette phase dans les quatre strates culturelles du site a permis de réaliser une datation relative en relation avec l’apparition et la fréquence de céramiques d’autres phases culturelles connues : Ortices, Colima, Armería y Chanal. Concernant les pratiques funéraires, la fouille a permis de constater le traitement des cadavres avant, pendant et après l’enterrement des défunts. Bien que des contextes funéraires similaires aient déjà été mentionnés dans la région, aucun d’entre eux n’a pu être identifié clairement. Ces traitements funéraires démontrent l’existence chez les anciens habitants de Colima d’une transmission des connaissances concernant l’anatomie, les processus de décomposition des cadavres, et même possiblement d’un culte des os humains. Une étude ostéologique a été menée sur les squelettes afin de documenter les aspects démographiques, pathologiques, sociaux et économiques de la population du site. Parmi les éléments les plus significatifs de l’étude, il est possible de mentionner la présence de certaines pathologies peu connues dans cette région de la Mésoamérique telles que la syphilis et la tuberculose. Des déformations crâniennes ont aussi été observées, ainsi que la présence d’un déformateur crânien en céramique. De plus, de nombreuses données ont été relevées concernant la présence d’os wormiens sur les crânes déformés artificiellement. Finalement, des analyses d’isotopes stables ont été pratiquées sur des os des individus, ainsi que sur des os de chiens et de cerfs retrouvés sur le site, afin de mieux connaître l’alimentation et la vie des communautés anciennes de la région. / This doctoral research was conducted in the frame of an archaeological project salvage in the Colima state, Mexico. The rescue took place in an archaeological site located in the municipality of Villa de Álvarez, Colima. This region had been excavated before and the presence of funerary contexts was attested, nevertheless no archaeological records were reported for these projects. The Colima region is known for the presence of shaft tombs, for its prehispanic pottery industry and for the so called “perros de Colima”. Curiously, although these elements are intimately related to funeral contexts, there are very few archaeological studies dedicated to the biological component of funerary practices, the human beings. The field research project gave us the possibility to go deeper in a wider dissertation project in which the main subject was the funerary traditions, one of the most emblematic subjects in this Mesoamerican region. The main goal of this dissertation structure was to establish the value of findings from el Tropel through its cultural links with the local region, the West Mesoamerica and the whole cultural area. Twenty-six individuals of different sexes and ages were recovered during the excavations. At least four different periods of occupation were registered in this place. The identified cultural phases let us know that the continual occupation of this site goes from 339 AD to 682 AD (C14 dates were obtained from the bones of three individuals from el Tropel), these dates correspond to the Comala phase. The large amount of archaeological materials from this phase in four cultural strata gave us the basis to understand a relative dating which keeps relation with the appearance and frequency of four other cultural phases characterized by their ceramics: Ortices, Colima, Armería and Chanal. Within the funeral practices we registered the existence of funerary treatments that were practiced before, during, and after the burial of the deceased. These practices had not been identified although similar funeral contexts had been already been reported in this archaeological region. The funeral treatments analyses demonstrated the transmission of knowledge concerning the human anatomy, the cadaveric processes and probably a tradition of special cult to the bones. We practiced also an osteological study of the twenty-six individuals to get demographic, pathological, social and economical data. Among the most out-standing aspects about health, we registered the presence of some pathologies little known for this Mesoamerican region, syphilis and tuberculosis. For the biocultural customs we identified the practice of cranial intentional deformation and also the presence of a “cranial deformation machine” made of ceramics. From this practice we also observed the relationship between cranial deformation and wormian bones formation within the sutural lines. This work includes the analyses of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes made over the bones of humans, dogs and deers from el Tropel, and the results answered some basic important questions about consumption patterns, economy, social life and food habits. / Este trabajo de investigación doctoral fue realizado en el marco de un proyecto de salvamento arqueológico llevado a cabo en el centro del municipio de Villa de Álvarez, en el estado de Colima, México. El salvamento se realizó en un sitio arqueológico conocido como “el Tropel”. En la zona de investigación se tenían noticias de la presencia de múltiples áreas funerarias de las cuales no existen informes arqueológicos. El estado de Colima es conocido por ser una de las regiones en las que se han encontrado tumbas de tiro, por su cerámica de extraordinaria manufactura y por los llamados perros de Colima. Curiosamente a pesar de que estos elementos están relacionados con contextos funerarios existen muy pocos estudios que enfoquen su atención en el componente biológico de estos, los seres humanos. El proyecto de investigación de campo dio las posibilidades para plantear un proyecto mucho más extenso que dio la oportunidad de profundizar en uno de los temas más relevantes en esta región mesoamericana: las tradiciones funerarias. Fue así que a la luz de los hallazgos particulares del sitio del Tropel se pudieron establecer los lazos que unen a un pequeño sitio arqueológico con la complejidad cultural que supone Mesoamérica. Como resultado de la temporada de excavación fueron recuperados 26 individuos de diferentes sexos y edades. Al menos dos diferentes periodos de ocupación fueron registrados en este sitio. El rango de tiempo que abarca la ocupación del sitio va desde el 339 dC hasta el 682 dC, (fechas C14 procedentes de los huesos de tres individuos del sitio el Tropel) estas fechas corresponden a la fase Colima, en la arqueología de Colima. Los contextos funerarios excavados pudieron ser fechados relativamente gracias a la presencia de ofrendas en forma de vajilla realizada en cerámica cuyo tipo fue identificado como Colima. En cuanto a las prácticas funerarias pudo registrarse la existencia de tratamientos funerarios antes, durante y después del enterramiento de los difuntos. Estas prácticas no habían sido identificadas aunque similares contextos funerarios ya habían sido reportados en la región. Los tratamientos funerarios demuestran que existió una transmisión de conocimientos en torno a la anatomía, los procesos de descomposición de los cadáveres y desde luego, es posible también, a un culto especial a los huesos. Un estudio de osteología fue realizada en los esqueletos para conocer aspectos demográficos, de salud-enfermedad, sociales y económicos. En cuanto a costumbres bioculturales se registró la práctica de la deformación craneal y además la presencia de un deformador craneal manufacturado en cerámica. Así mismo se registraron datos acerca de la preeminencia de huesos wormianos en cráneos deformados artificialmente. En los huesos de los individuos así como de perros y venados fueron practicados análisis de isótopos estables cuyos resultados responden una serie de preguntas acerca de la alimentación y la vida de las antiguas comunidades que habitaron la región.

No description available.

O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi justificar a proposta de utilização de um novo método tomográfico (cone beam) de avaliação das espessuras ósseas alveolares, maxilares e mandibulares, por meio de testes objetivos das Condições de Repetitividade e de Precisão Intermediária associadas à variação intra e interoperadores, e conforme a utilização de programa computacional independente (AutoCAD®) para a realização das medições, aplicadas à sequência do Procedimento Operacional Padrão (POP) definido para este experimento. A Fase I da pesquisa registrou os critérios de obtenção da qualidade final das imagens tomográficas definitivas, a partir de equipamento iCAT® (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa), com parâmetros de aquisição de 120KVp, 37,7mA e 26,9s, e considerando FOV cilíndrico de 13cm e matriz de 512x512 pixels. A resolução do voxel foi de 0,25mm; A Fase II registrou os critérios exploratórios relativos às condições operacionais do software de visualização, registro (inspeção e identificação) e medição das grandezas selecionadas. A Fase III registrou a realização dos testes de repetitividade e de reprodutibilidade das medidas. Um total de 72 grandezas lineares foram previamente definidas e metodologicamente testadas em sua qualidade de inspeção, identificação e medição, a partir da avaliação de sete (7) operadores independentes, cinco dos quais eram especialistas e com Mestrado Acadêmico em Ortodontia pela FOUSP e, o outro, especialista em Radiologia Odontológica e Doutor em Diagnóstico Bucal (FOUSP). Os examinadores foram previamente instruídos, calibrados e treinados considerando os requerimentos necessários à execução dos testes propostos. O protocolo de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo (Parecer CAAE 0120.0.017.000-11). A análise estatística dependeu da utilização de Modelo de Componentes de Variância (hierárquico), e foram consideradas como fontes de variação: as medidas, efetuadas por um mesmo operador ou por diferentes operadores; a face considerada, vestibular ou lingual/palatina; os locais (três níveis de espessura óssea alveolar) em cada uma das faces e, ainda, os diferentes dentes. Esta análise foi realizada de forma separada para mandíbula e maxila. Valores de p<0,05 indicaram significância estatística. Os resultados indicaram significativa confiabilidade geral no método proposto, considerando a Condição de Repetitividade, com apenas 0,24% da variabilidade maxilar total atribuível a um único operador, e mandibular de 0,53%; e com valores expressivos relativos às incertezas de medida maxilares (0,156mm) e mandibulares (0,091mm), desse modo atestando significativa consistência interna (repetibilidade) do método. Os testes da Condição de Precisão Intermediária também indicaram significativa confiabilidade geral no método proposto, com apenas 1,52% da variabilidade total mandibular atribuível à participação de diversos operadores, e maxilar de 0,25%; e com valores também expressivos relativos às incertezas de medida mandibulares (0,149mm) e maxilares (0,158mm), desse modo atestando significativa condição final de reprodutibilidade. Conclui-se que a utilização de imagens provenientes de tomógrafo iCAT®, conforme indicação de resolução de imagem com voxel de 0,25mm, em humanos vivos e a partir de cortes trans-axiais sistematicamente operacionalizados com auxílio de Software AutoCAD®, propicia a geração de condições metodológicas suficientemente favoráveis à obtenção de mapeamento quantitativo linear de espessuras ósseas alveolares, vestibulares e palatinas/linguais, tanto para a maxila quanto para a mandíbula. / This research aimed to justify the proposed use of a new tomography method (cone beam) in the clinical assessment of alveolar, maxillary and mandibular bone width, through objective tests of the Conditions of Repetitiveness and Intermediate Precision associated with intra- and inter-operator variation, using the independent computer program (AutoCAD®) for the execution of the measurements according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) sequence defined for this experiment. Phase I of the research recorded the criteria for obtaining the final quality of the tomography images, using iCAT® (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa, USA) equipment with acquisition parameters 120KVp, 37.7mA, and 26.9s, and considering cilindric field-of-view (FOV) of 13cm and 512x512 pixels matrix. The voxel resolution was 0.25mm. Phase II recorded the exploratory criteria relative to the operational conditions of the visualization software, registry (visual inspection and landmark identification) and measurement of the selected magnitudes. Phase III recorded the tests of repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements. A total of 72 linear magnitudes were previously defined and methodologically tested for their quality of inspection, identification and measurement, based on assessment by seven (7) independent operators, five of whom were specialists, with masters degrees in Orthodontics from FOUSP; and the other, a specialist in Dental Radiology and Doctor of Oral Diagnosis (FOUSP). The examiners were previously instructed, calibrated and trained according to the requirements for performing the proposed tests. The research protocol was approved by the Committee for Ethics in Research of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo (Protocol # 102/11-CAAE 0120.0.017.000-11). Statistical analysis used the (hierarchical) Components of Variation Model, and the sources of variation were considered to be: the measurements, made by the same operator or by different operators; the face considered, whether vestibular or lingual/palatal; the locations (three levels of alveolar bone thickness) in each of the faces and, also, the different teeth. This analysis was carried out separately for the mandible and the maxilla. Values of p<0.05 indicated statistical significance. The results indicated overall significant reliability in the proposed method considering the Condition of Repetitiveness, with only 0.24% of total maxillary, and 0.53% of mandibular, variability attributable to a single operator; and with expressive values relative to measurement uncertainties of maxillary (0.156 mm) and mandibular (0.091mm) averages, thereby attesting to significant internal consistency (\"repeatability\") of the method. Tests for the Condition of Intermediate Precision also indicated overall significant reliability of the proposed method, with only 1.52% total mandibular, and 0.25% maxillary, variability attributable to the participation of the various operators; and, also, with expressive values relative to measurement uncertainties of mandibular (0.149mm) and maxillary (0.158mm) averages, thereby attesting to the significant final condition of reproducibility. It is concluded that the use of images from iCAT® tomography, as indicated by image resolution with voxels of 0.25mm, in live humans and from transaxial cuts performed systematically with the help of AutoCAD® Software, provides methodological conditions sufficiently favorable for obtaining linear quantitative mapping of alveolar, vestibular and palatal/lingual bone thicknesses, for both the maxillary and mandibular dental arches.

Cette étude porte sur le «Skull Building» de Çayönü (Sud-Est anatolien, Néolithiqueprécéramique), qui est l’un des plus anciens bâtiments à usage funéraire au Proche-Orient. Les restes humains provenant des différents dépôts osseux (110.460fragments) du «Skull Building» ont été étudiés au travers d’une approche archéoantropologiqueet taphonomique qui n’avait encore jamais été appliquée à un sitepréhistorique anatolien. Nous avons mis au point un logiciel de dénombrement,estimé le nombre minimum d’individus inhumés lors de chacune des deux phasesd’utilisation (NMI = 97 pour le bâtiment ovalaire, NMI = 231 pour le bâtimentrectangulaire) et mis en évidence un changement des pratiques entre le bâtimentovalaire (le plus ancien) et le bâtiment rectangulaire (le plus récent). Les résultatsobtenus permettent de proposer une nouvelle interprétation du fonctionnement de cebâtiment, dans la mesure où les analyses ont montré que les différents dépôts de laseconde phase d’utilisation (bâtiment rectangulaire) étaient liés entre eux. / This study focuses on the "Skull Building" of Çayönü (Southeast Anatolian PrepotteryNeolithic), which is one of the oldest buildings for burial use in the MiddleEast. Human remains from different bone deposits (110,460 fragments) of the "SkullBuilding" have been studied through an archaeo-anthropological and taphonomicapproach which had never been applied to a prehistoric site in Anatolia. We havedeveloped a software for counting, estimated the minimum number of individualsburied in each of the two phases of use (NMI = 97 for the Oval Building, NMI = 231for the Rectangular Building) and highlighted a change in practices between the ovalbuilding (the oldest) and the rectangular building (most recent). The results obtainedallow proposing a new interpretation for the functions of this building, insofar as theanalysis showed that different deposits of the second phase of use (RectangularBuilding) were interrelated.

This thesis focuses on health among children in the medieval town Old Lödöse (1100-1500 AD) in western Sweden. Through the study of health indicators (enamel hypoplasia, growth retardation and porotic hyperostosis) on adults (45 crania), children (31 complete individuals) and the commingled remains of children from severeal contexts. The results showed 66,7% (N= 30 of 45) of the adults and 67,7% (N= 21 of 31) of the children had presence of stress indicators. Although 61,5% (N=8 of 13) of the children and 37,5% (N=15 of 40) of the adults had presence of cribra orbitalia it manifested mildly on several of the individuals. Enamel hypoplasia was present on 53,8% (N= 7 of 13) of the children and 36,8% (N= 15 av 38) of the adults. The enamel disturbances occurred by the ages of two to five. Growth retardation was minimal and was within the standard deviation for each method. The population suffered from ill health due to varying degrees as a result of the urban environment, parasites and infections. Several of the individuals have experienced periods of stress during childhood. The population sample was compared to material from Skara (1100-1500 AD) and New Lödöse (1473-1624 AD). The comparison showed that there was similar health parameters in all three cities during the Middle Ages. / Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka hälsa respektive ohälsa hos barn i medeltida Gamla Lödöse (1100-1500 e.Kr.) genom att studera frekvensen av stressmarkörer. Materialet bestod av 45 kranier från vuxna individer (både män och kvinnor), 31 individer under 20 år samt  209 enskilda element från omrörda kontexter (barn). MNI för barnen i studien blev totalt 56. De stressmarkörer som studerades var emaljhypoplasier, porotic hyperostosis (cribra orbitalia, cribra cranii, cribra humeralis och cribra femoralis) och tillväxtstörningar. Hos vuxna individer studerades endast cribra orbitalia, cribra cranii och emaljhypoplaiser. Resultatet visade att 66,7% (N= 30 av 45) av de vuxna individerna uppvisade spår av stressmarkörer medan 67,7% (N=21 av 31) av barnen (endast de kompletta individerna) uppvisade spår av stressmarkörer. Cribra orbitalia uppvisades hos 61,5% (N= 8 av 13) av barnen medan hos de vuxna individerna var frekvensen endast 37,5% (N= 15 av 40). Nästintill alla individer hade mild grad av cribra orbitalia, likaså för cribra cranii. Emaljhypoplasier fanns hos 53,8% (N= 7 av 13) av barnen medan hos de vuxna var frekvensen 36,8% (N= 14 av 38). Emaljhypoplasierna uppstod i åldern två till tre hos barnen och åldern tre till fem år för de vuxna individerna. Tillväxtstörningarna hos barnen var minimala och inom standardavvikelserna för respektive metod. Slutsatsen var att den undersökta population led av ohälsa i varierande grad från ung ålder och att flera har upplevt episoder av stress orsakade av bland annat miljömässiga faktorer som ökade risken för infektionssjukdomar och parasiter. I jämförelser med material från Skara (1100-1500 e.Kr.) och Nya Lödöse (1473-1624 e.Kr.) framkom det att frekvensen av stressmarkörer är högre, men att antalet undersökta individer är mindre i Gamla Lödöse. Förutom det tros städerna ha varit lika gällande hälsoparametrar hos barn.

The Gotlandic smith has been depicted on several picture stones and is a subject of fear and respect in the Old Norse sagas. Their technological prowess can be identified through their skilful work and through the stories told about them, but one must delve deeper to identify the smith-craft itself. This thesis seeks to apply the practice of bone-smithing on the osteological material from the Gotlandic site of “Signallottan” located about a kilometre southeast of the Hanseatic walled city of Visby, a site which was excavated in 2018 to get a broader understanding of the site’s previous uses. In addition to this, an osteological and spatial analysis will be carried out to identify the role of the smith and the use of bones in smithing, as well as a literature study of texts depicting or discussing the smith from the perspective of the Icelandic sagas. The thesis will focus on the application of theoretical frameworks with their basis in materiality, agency, and entanglement to interpret what activities can be identified in Signallottan through the current analyses in correlation with the extensive previous identification of osteological material from the site. This thesis will seek to identify the animal species that are present in the osteological material as well as the degree of cremation of the bones, which could imply that bones were used in smithing practice and ritual during the Viking Age. Around 2,5kg of bones were analysed during the thesis, a majority of which were burnt. The spatial analysis of the site, which was carried out through GIS, reveals a connection between finds of iron, slag, and bone together with oxide scale to form the interpretation of the site as having been used for smithing, that may have used bone as fuel during the carbonisation-process. The smithing practices during the Viking Age are deemed to be a supernaturally connected practice with transformative implications of seiðr, old Norse magic, but are also practices that were highly dependent on the craftsman’s skill and a network of trade to receive the materials necessary for larger-scale production in an agricultural society.

No description available.

The skeletal material used in this thesis consists of 258 individuals, whereas 179 individuals had the requirements entailed for an analysis of health and lifestyles. In other words, their sex and age had been osteologically determined. In addition, they are either young adults, adults, or seniors, as infants and subadults usually die before skeletal changes. Males represent 63 percent (n=112) and females 37 percent (n=67) of the material. The material is collected from a Stone Age dwelling site in Ajvide, Gotland, and six Medieval churches in Visby, Gotland: St Hans, St Per, St Clemens, Ryska Kyrkan, St Gertrud and St Mikael. One of the most noticeable traits caused by a change in subsistence strategies is an increase in enamel hypoplasia, cribra orbitalia, degenerative joint diseases, and activity-related pathologies, as well as a decrease in oral health. Therefore, the population of Medieval Visby was exposed to more stressors in the shape of infections and malnutrition. Furthermore, the high amount of degenerative joint diseases also indicates a more physically strenuous life. / Skelettmaterialet som använts i denna uppsats består av 258 individer, varav 179 individer uppfyllde de krav som krävdes för en lyckad analys. Individerna måste alltså ha en känd ålder och kön, dessutom exkluderades spädbarn och juvenila, då de oftast avled innan skeletala förändringar. I materialet representerade männen 63 procent (n=112) och kvinnorna 37 procent (n=67) av den totala mängden skelett. Materialet hade blivit insamlad från stenåldersboplatsen Ajvide på Gotland samt sex medeltida kyrkor från Visby, Gotland: St Hans, St Per, St Clemens, Ryska Kyrkan, St Gertrud och St Mikael. Noterbara förändringar är en ökning i emaljhypoplasi, cribra orbitalia, degenerativa ledsjukdomar, aktivitet-relaterade patologier samt försämrad oral hälsa. Detta tyder på att den medeltida befolkningen utsattes för mer stress i form av infektioner och undernäring. Mängden degenerativa ledsjukdomar indikerar dessutom på ett mer fysiskt ansträngande liv.